Aren't we forgetting that this domain did have a TM on it?
....And, anyone bidding on it would potentially own a domain subject to TM?....And, be the target of a possible TM action by the TM holder, anyway? (unless the winner of the auction had a legitimate good faith use for the name that didn't offend the TM?)
....Or, does not telling the TM holder make it okay?......Is Biggs101's real crime here that he, by approaching them, alerted the TM holder to the fact a domain, over which they had a TM, is for sale?...ie let the cat out of the bag?
Okay....As domainers, we might think Biggs101 ****ed up on this...It was a bad mistake to check out possible interest in a domain with the TM holder of the acronym, that he may later win at auction.....Obviously opens the door to some possible reaction from the TM holder - and, domainers don't like that.
That was not a smart move...but, its not dishonest, or unethical, imo.....No different from saying to someone: 'I may be able to get my hands on a classic car at an auction - If I could, would you be interested in buying it from me?'....Nothing wrong with that, imo.
Lets not crucify a guy just for letting the cat out of the bag with the TM holder - For not keeping the fact the TM domain was becoming available a secret....!!
Also, I like the fact the guy stands up here, and takes his hits.....I know a lot of people that would slink away, and hide....He's not excusing himself for what he did - he knows he got it wrong, and he's explained what he did, an why....and apologised....That says something good about the guy to me.
Also, any dealings I've had with him have been straight, and ethical.
The way I see it, he did something we domainers don't like....Naive domaining, if you like....But, did he steal something? Defraud anyone? No.
A hanging offence?....I don't think so.
PS....(edit)....In case anyone thinks my few posts at DNF mean a total newbie....I'm just much more active at other places - like NP, and Mobility.
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